Healing on the horizon for shelter dog with broken legs

I have named hundreds of shelter pets over the years, and every now and then I encounter an extraordinary soul who has lived through more than most, one who requires a special, well-thought-out name.

When I got the call about Barin, I listened quietly to his heart-rending story of suffering. Barin was hit by a car. His owners told authorities they did not have the money to take him to a vet, so he was tied up outside, with two broken legs, for months on end. I can't begin to imagine the pain he endured.

Palmetto Animal League was Barin's last hope for life. His treatment would require months of one-on-one care and upwards of $5,000 in medical costs, but at PAL we never put a price on a pet's life.

So, when Barin came hobbling into the PAL Adoption Center, his front limbs twisted and mangled (the vestiges of broken bones healing improperly) I knew right away that he would be special, not only to our staff but also to our supporters. After floating around a few names, we quickly decided on "Barin," which means "noble fighter," and that's exactly what he is.

It will be a long road to recovery. A team of vets has evaluated his injuries and believes he can have an excellent quality of life on three legs with a custom made therapeutic sleeve, intense, long-term, specialized physical therapy seven-days-a-week, and eventually a special cart to give him more mobility.

Barin is thankful to be at PAL, and despite his torturous ordeal his tail never stops wagging. He is a happy dog, and thanks to an outpouring of love and gifts for Barin, we have the funds necessary to get him started on his extensive journey toward the pain-free, carefree life he deserves.

Barin's story is one of heartbreak and hope. He has inspired a community without uttering a single word. There is something immeasurably uplifting about a dog who, while broken in body, will never be broken in spirit.

Join the No Kill movement. Visit www.PalmettoAnimalLeague.org/help-barin-heal to see videos of Barin and to make a donation of the heart.

While Barin is now safe and loved with us at PAL, there are countless other animals like him out there still suffering. Your gift today will be used to save an animal like Barin, an animal hoping, pleading, waiting for rescue.

Amy Campanini is president of Palmetto Animal League. PalmettoAnimalLeague.org